Horizontal Barrel-shaped Sundial, C. 1640

Horizontal sundial in a barrel-shaped ivory box with compartments, Germany or Holland, circa 1640. Ivory, amber, brass, paper; 7 cm high and 4-5 cm in diameter. A charming pocket sundial constructed in a barrel shape and consisting of five separate compartments. Several similar or related sundials are known in public collections. Often unsigned, they are considered German, certainly from the city of Nuremberg, well known for the production of its diptych ivory sundials. However, the only known signed examples that we have been able to locate all bear Dutch or Flemish signatures: Henricus Sneewin, Christian Christiaensen, or Jan Adriaensen. This could therefore also indicate a Dutch origin. The present example, very well preserved, can be unscrewed into five compartments: the top level, whose lid is pierced with small holes, could have served as a scent box or pomander; the second level includes a brass lunar volvelle indicating the different phases of the moon; the third level constitutes the sundial itself, below which is its compass with its needle and a beautiful compass rose constructed from wallpaper in red, blue, yellow, and green; and finally, the fifth and last level is a simple circular box that could have served as a snuffbox. Attractive ink decoration adorns the rim of the barrel with amber inlays.